Springbok rugby star Faf de Klerk has added another major milestone to his career after being named an official brand ambassador for Toyota South Africa Motors, further cementing his status as one of the country’s most recognisable sporting personalities.
The partnership comes at an important stage in De Klerk’s career, following his return to South Africa after almost a decade playing abroad and his move to the Toyota Cheetahs. The 34-year-old scrumhalf signed a two-year deal with the Bloemfontein-based franchise earlier this year after spells with the Lions, Sale Sharks in England and Yokohama Canon Eagles in Japan.
Toyota said De Klerk’s fearless approach, leadership and determination made him a natural fit for the brand.
“Faf is more than a world-class rugby player – he is a symbol of determination, authenticity and South African pride,” said Glenn Crompton, vice-president of marketing at Toyota South Africa Motors.
“His journey to becoming a Rugby World Cup-winning Springbok reflects the values we hold dear at Toyota: resilience, continuous improvement and the pursuit of excellence. We are delighted to welcome him to the Toyota Cheetahs family and look forward to an exciting journey together.”
The partnership also strengthens Toyota’s long-standing relationship with the Toyota Cheetahs and South African rugby. De Klerk will be associated with the Land Cruiser Prado, a vehicle Toyota describes as being built around capability, resilience and performance.
For De Klerk, the deal represents more than a commercial partnership as he begins a new chapter of his playing career back on home soil.
“Joining the Toyota Cheetahs has been an exciting new chapter in my rugby journey and I’m equally proud to now be joining the Toyota family as a brand ambassador,” he said.
“Toyota is a brand synonymous with quality, reliability and performance – values that resonate strongly with me both on and off the field. Much like me, the Land Cruiser Prado is an incredible vehicle that is built to take on any challenge.”
He added: “I’m ready to go on many adventures with it but most importantly, looking forward to representing a brand that shares my passion for excellence and continually pushing boundaries.”
De Klerk’s journey to becoming one of South Africa’s best-known rugby players began with the Lions before he earned his first Springbok selection in 2016 against Ireland. His energetic playing style, quick service and aggressive defence soon established him as a key figure in the national team.
His career reached another level during the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan, where he played a central role in the Springboks’ title-winning campaign. Four years later, he was part of the squad that successfully defended the World Cup in France in 2023, making him a two-time Rugby World Cup winner. South African Rugby describes him as a key member of both championship-winning teams.
His international career has also included involvement in South Africa’s historic 2021 British & Irish Lions series victory, while his club career took him overseas to England and Japan. After dealing with injury setbacks, De Klerk returned to South Africa in 2026 and joined the Cheetahs, with the move giving him another opportunity to compete at the highest level.
Frans Steyn, director of rugby at the Toyota Cheetahs, welcomed the new partnership, saying De Klerk’s presence represented a significant moment for the franchise.
“Faf’s arrival at the Toyota Cheetahs marks a significant moment for our team and our supporters. He brings outstanding experience, leadership and a winning mentality that aligns perfectly with our ambitions,” Steyn said.
“We are proud to see him join the Toyota family as a brand ambassador, further strengthening the connection between our team, our sponsor and one of the game’s most respected players.”
The Toyota deal places De Klerk alongside other sporting figures associated with the brand, including Oupa Mohoje, Gerda Steyn and Matt Beers, as Toyota continues to position itself closely with South African sport.
For a player whose career has been defined by resilience, reinvention and an ability to thrive under pressure, the latest partnership signals that De Klerk’s influence extends well beyond the rugby field.
